Obituary : Edward E. Benner
Published: October 30, 2008
Edward E. Benner of New Bedford and Martha's Vineyard died on Sunday, Oct. 26, after a long battle with cancer. He was 56.
Ed was born on February 28, 1952, in Damariscotta, Maine, the second oldest of 15 children born to Edward E. Benner, Jr. and Alphra (Morton) Benner.
Ed earned a degree in English literature from Quinnipiac College. He worked on Martha's Vineyard as a truck driver for Packer Oil Company and for B.F.I.
He was an exceptional woodcarver and father. Edward spent his last summer rebuilding a skiff with his son from the remains of a derelict boat. Ed devoted his life to his children and put them above all else.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Oldani Benner, and his children, Daniel Edward Benner and Katherine Susanne Benner. He is also survived by his step-mother Lois Benner of Bristol, Maine, and his sisters, Clarion Sullivan and her husband, Kenneth "Sully", of Oak Bluffs, Kathy Berninger and her husband, Thomas, of Vineyard Haven and Nellie Benner of Damariscotta, Maine; four brothers, Henry Benner of Northport, Maine, Gerald Benner of Plantsville, Conn., Richard Salerno of New Harbor, Maine, and Carmen Salerno of Ohio; his half-brothers, Lester Benner, Virgil Benner and Tommy Benner all of Maine and his brother-in-law, Mark Azukas.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Georgia Azukas, Clifford Benner, Shirley Benner, and Danny Benner.
His memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, at 6 pm in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, located on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs. It will be officiated by the Rev. Alden Besse. The family will be receiving family and friends from 4 pm until the time of service.
Donations may be made in his memory to his children's educational fund to Leslie Benner, 334 Austin Street, New Bedford, MA 02740.
